Truck drivers risk deportation if found violating safety rules

Truck drivers risk deportation if found violating safety rules
By Rayeesa Absal, Staff Reporter GULF NEWS Published: February 12, 2008, 19:12

Abu Dhabi: Starting Thursday, truck drivers would risk deportation if they flout safety regulations while on the road, senior police officials said.

In order to tackle the issue of materials falling off from trucks on to the roads, threatening the safety of road users, a campaign has been launched by the Abu Dhabi Police. Not only would the trucks be confiscated for up to a month’s time, the errant drivers would face deportation.

Several traffic police patrol vehicles have been deployed across the capital city and its outskirts, including Al Ain and the Western region, to effectively track down drivers who fail to abide by the safety regulations.

Brigadier Nasser Al Nuaimi, Director General of the office of the Minister of Interior, said the entry and exit points of the city would be carefully monitored to nab violators. "Dust and other materials falling off from trucks could cause accidents. Truck drivers must ensure that these are adequately covered and secured."

"The decision to impose stringent measures on drivers came after authorities spotted inconsiderate truck drivers who put public safety at risk," he said.

A committee has been formed to coordinate with all the stake holders to curb this phenomenon, he added.

Speaking of the new measure, Colonel Hamad Adil Al Shamsi, the Director of the Department of Traffic and patrol police said that improper handling of materials carried in trucks threatens lives of motorists especially by reducing the visibility.

Police patrols are focussing on major construction sites besides the Al Raha beach area, Mussafah, Zayed Military area and Emirates road.

The police have already begun distributing leaflets in different languages to educate the drivers.